Troop 1692 (St. George, UT – Crossroads of the West Council) was formed to give scouts an opportunity to reach their goal of obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Don Fisher, Scoutmaster, saw a need to give boys with desire, self-motivation, and goal orientation the platform need to succeed. Here is a summary of their experience in their words:
Little did we realize what we would face to achieve this goal in 2020. Pandemic, social distancing, quarantining, lack of supplies, face masks, the unknown, inability to unite. Tactics changed in order to meet the deadlines and goals. One on one training, phone calls, Zoom calls and video training. Merit badge and rank boards of review done on Zoom. The troop of leaders and boy scouts addressed the issues and moved forward. Not only did these boys work aggressively to meet their own goals but also helped others to reach their own goals. By the end of 2020, eleven boys had achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Several also received Eagle Palms for their extra work with merit badges.
Covid-19 also brought about a change in the way we all worshipped. Social distancing and not being able to meet in groups stopped us from uniting in our faith. Religious activities, scripture study, prayer, and training became centered in the family. Revelations have been preparing us for this time and now it is here. Families have had the special spiritual experience of priesthood responsibility and relying on each other for personal and spiritual strength. Covid-19 has helped families to get closer together and closer to their God.
Vanguard Scouting came around just at the right time. It gave LDS boy scouts an opportunity to earn a religious award and showing their desire to be close to God. These boys had free time with online schooling. All the leaders and boys in Troop 1692 during the year of 2020 were able to achieve the Vanguard Religious award.
Scouts: Zach Broadhead, Zach Carter, Liam Jaussi, Brecken Smith, Treydan Smith, Jake Traveller, Ty Traveller, Ezekiel Weir, Tiago Weir, Tyler Whittaker, Jackson Wittwer. Missing from photos – Brecken Smith, Treydan Smith, Tyler Whittaker
Adults: Cameron Young (committee chair), Justin Traveller (Bishop & committee member), Don Fisher (Scoutmaster), Dalva Fisher (committee member), Tim Weir (committee member), JD Carter (committee member), Rod Broadhead (committee member)